We’ve used Edgecomb Gray in nearly every room of our home because it’s a warm, inviting, and versatile neutral — a true greige that works in many settings. Designers and DIYers love it for living rooms, bedrooms, kitchens (including cabinets), and even exterior siding. Below we’ll explain why it’s such a dependable choice and where it performs best.
We also reviewed many popular greige paint options recommended by professionals and enthusiasts — Edgecomb Gray consistently ranks among the top picks. If you’re exploring alternatives, there are several excellent greiges to sample.
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When should you use Edgecomb Gray?
Benjamin Moore’s Edgecomb Gray (HC-173) is widely regarded as one of the best greige colors for these reasons:
- It’s a warm greige that balances gray and beige beautifully.
- Light-to-medium in tone, it adds interest without darkening a room.
- Timeless and versatile, it’s a good match for well-lit spaces.
- Refined without looking yellowed or dated.
- Works well as a whole-house neutral, suitable in most rooms.
- Pairs nicely with white trim and warm wood tones.
- Resale-friendly and broadly appealing.
- Compatible with both modern and traditional decor.
- Subtle enough to let furniture and accents stand out.
We’ve used it in many rooms and found it consistently flattering when the lighting is right.
When should you NOT use Edgecomb Gray?
Edgecomb Gray can look muddy or too dark in rooms with little natural light, particularly north-facing rooms with cooler light. We initially painted our bonus room with Edgecomb Gray but found it appeared darker and muddier there compared to brighter, warmer spaces. In that room we repainted with a lighter, cooler gray.
Conversely, Edgecomb Gray can work well in windowless rooms lit by warm artificial light. Always test paint on your walls at different times of day to confirm how it reads in your specific lighting conditions.
Edgecomb Gray FAQs
Here are key points to consider when evaluating this greige for your home.
Is Edgecomb Gray warm or cool?
Edgecomb Gray is a warm gray, making it an ideal greige choice when you want a neutral that feels cozy rather than stark. Its warmth complements wood tones and woven textures and helps avoid the yellowed look that some taupes can develop.
What is the undertone of Edgecomb Gray?
Edgecomb Gray doesn’t have an obvious aggressive undertone, which contributes to its wide appeal. Some describe faint green, yellow, blue, or pink hints depending on lighting and surroundings, but these are subtle. It generally reads best alongside other warm tones, though it can also coordinate with cooler accents.
Is Edgecomb Gray light or dark?
Edgecomb Gray is a light-to-medium taupe — not so light that it looks white, but pale enough to keep spaces feeling bright. It performs best in rooms with good natural light; in darker rooms it can appear noticeably deeper.
What is the LRV of Edgecomb Gray?
Edgecomb Gray has an LRV (Light Reflectance Value) of 63.09, which helps explain why it keeps rooms feeling bright while offering some depth.
What other names does it go by?
Edgecomb Gray (HC-173) is sometimes listed under related names and codes in Benjamin Moore’s collections, reflecting different product lines. These variations help identify the paint within different catalogs but refer to the same overall hue family.
What rooms look best with Edgecomb Gray?
Short answer: almost anywhere. Edgecomb Gray is a supportive background color that adds warmth and depth without dominating a space. It looks especially refined paired with white trim and built-ins, and it coordinates well with neutral furnishings and colorful accents.
We replaced a deep blue bedroom with Edgecomb Gray for a brighter, calmer feel that still allowed artwork and textiles to pop. After that, we painted hallways, offices, and even a half bathroom with it — it’s that adaptable.
What trim color works best with Edgecomb Gray?
Edgecomb Gray pairs beautifully with warmer whites. In our home we used Benjamin Moore’s Simply White for trim; its slight warmth complements Edgecomb Gray and helps both colors read crisp. Cooler whites can shift the greige toward a grayer look, so choose trim whites with a touch of warmth if you want to emphasize the taupe quality.
What accent colors work well with Edgecomb Gray?
Because Edgecomb Gray is subtle, it pairs well with many accent colors. Aim for warm undertones for the most harmonious results. For a bolder contrast, deeper greiges like Revere Pewter (one shade darker on the same swatch) or saturated blues and greens create attractive focal points.
Popular accent pairings that work well include navy, muted greens, warm grays, and soft whites. These combinations allow Edgecomb Gray to act as a versatile backdrop for both neutral and colorful schemes.
How does it compare to other popular greiges?
Edgecomb Gray sits comfortably among other popular greiges but tends to read as a balanced, warm taupe. Revere Pewter is slightly darker and cozier; Accessible Beige is warmer with stronger yellow undertones; Agreeable Gray leans cooler and grayer. Sampling each color on your walls is the best way to decide which one fits your light and decor.
- Edgecomb Gray vs Revere Pewter: Revere Pewter is a touch darker and moodier (LRV lower than Edgecomb Gray).
- Edgecomb Gray vs Accessible Beige: Accessible Beige is generally warmer and a bit darker, with more pronounced yellow undertones.
- Edgecomb Gray vs Agreeable Gray: Agreeable Gray is cooler and grayer, which can be preferable in spaces with cooler palettes or north-facing light.
Final considerations
Edgecomb Gray is a reliable, flexible greige that suits many styles and rooms. It can shift slightly depending on lighting and adjacent colors, so test it in your space before committing. Watch for darker appearances in low-light rooms or exteriors where it can read paler, and consider pairing it with warm white trim to preserve its taupe character.
Overall, Edgecomb Gray is a near-perfect greige that performs beautifully in the right lighting and with complementary accents.
More paint colors we love
If you’re exploring other go-to colors, consider sampling well-known whites and greiges as part of your selection process. Testing samples on your walls remains the most reliable way to find the shade that works best in your home.